Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DESCRIPTION
AUDIO APPARATUS
[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an audio apparatus which
provides speakers, which output sound respectively to a
plurality of positions with narrow directivity, with audio
signals intended for the plurality of positions.
[0002]
BACKGROUND ART
An audio system which inputs an audio signal to a speaker
capable of changing its directivity has hitherto been known.
For instance, Patent Document 1 describes an audio system which
inputs an audio signal to an array speaker capable of outputting
a sound beam in a plurality of orientations. The audio system
can be set in such a way that a sound beam from the array speaker
is directed toward a position desired by a listener. The setting
is made for a plurality of positions, so that the sound beam
can be output from the array speaker toward a plurality of
positions desired by the listener.
Patent Publication 1: JP-A-06-205496
[0003]
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEM THAT THE INVENTION IS TO SOLVE
However, the related-art audio apparatus has the same
volume setting for respective sound beams output to a plurality
of positions. Therefore, when listeners are present in
orientations of the respective sound beams, difficulty is
encountered in providing audio at sound levels desired by the
respective listeners.
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[0004]
In a related-art audio system, when a change has been
made to a position where the sound beam is oriented, setting
of the audio signals desired by the listeners must be made again
in connection with this new position. Specifically, since a
position to which the sound beam is oriented and a setting of
an audio signal oriented to the position are only associated
with each other, the relationship between the orientation and
the setting of the audio signal is lost when a change is made
to the orientation. Therefore, when a change is made to the
orientation, the listeners must againmakesettingsoftheaudio
signals output to the altered orientations.
[0005]
Accordingly, in order to solve the problem, a first
objective of the present invention is to provide an audio
apparatus capable of outputting sound at sound levels desired
by respective listeners who are present in orientations of
respective sound beams, and a second objective of the present
invention is to provide an audio apparatus which eliminates
the inconvenience of resetting the audio signals, which would
otherwise be caused when a change has been made to positions
where the sound beams are oriented.
[0006]
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM
To solve the problems, the present invention adopts the
following means.
[0007]
(1) The present invention is directed toward an audio
apparatus which inputs audio signals oriented toward a plurality
of positions to speakers which output sound toward the respective
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positions with narrow directivity, the apparatus comprising:
a table storage section which stores a table for
registering the plurality of positions and volume information
showing set sound levels of sounds directed toward the positions
in correspondence with each other;
a signal processing section for adjusting output levels
of respective audio signals in accordance with set level control
values; and
a signal processing control section which reads the volume
information for the plurality of positions by reference to the
table and which sets, in the signal processing section, the
level control values for the audio signals directed to the
respective positions in accordance with the read information.
Thus, according to the present invention there is provided
an audio apparatus which inputs signals directed toward a
plurality of positions to speakers which output sounds
toward the respective positions with narrow directivity,
the apparatus comprising: a table storage section which
stores a table for registering the plurality of positions
and volume information showing set sound levels of sounds
directed toward the positions in correspondence with each
other; a signal processing section which performs control
operations to an audio signal to generate the signals,
output levels of which are adjusted in accordance with
level control values, so that sound levels of the sounds
output from the speaker toward the respective positions are
adjusted for each of the positions; and a signal processing
control section which reads the volume information for the
plurality of positions by reference to the table and which
sets, in the signal processing section, the level control
values for the signals directed to the respective positions
in accordance with the read volume information.
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[0008]
By means of the configuration, the table storage section
stores a table used for registering a plurality of positions
toward which sound is directed and volume information showing
set sound levels of sound directed toward the positions in
correspondence with each other. The signal processing control
section makes a reference to the table, to thus read volume
information for the plurality of positions, and level control
values of audio signals are set in the signal processing section
in accordance with the thus-read information. In accordance
with the thus-set level control values, the signal processing
section adjusts output levels of the audio signals directed
to the respective positions. Thus, volume can be controlled
individually for each of the sounds directed toward the different
positions. Therefore, when the plurality of positions are set
as listening positions of a plurality of listeners, sounds can
be provided to the respective listeners at sound levels desired
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by the listeners.
[0009]
(2) The present invention is directed toward the audio
apparatus, and the apparatus further comprises:
an instruction signal input section for inputting an
instruction signal for instructing alteration of a volume
setting. In addition to the plurality of positions and the
volume information, the table which associates identification
information used for identifying a listener is stored in the
table storage section. When the instruction signal input
section receives the instruction signal including the
identification information, the volume processing control
section changes the volume information indicated by the
identification information in the table to a sound level
indicated by the instruction signal; acquires a position
corresponding to the identification information and changed
volume information by reference to the table; and changes the
level control value set in the signal processing section in
such a way that the sound directed to the acquired position
comes to a sound level represented by the volume information.
[0010]
According to the configuration, an instruction signal
for instructing changing of a volume setting is input to the
instruction signal input section. In addition to the plurality
of positions and the volume information, a table in which pieces
of identification information used for identifying listeners
are associated with each other is stored in the table storage
section. When the instruction signal including the
identification information is accepted by the instruction
signal input section, the signal processing control section
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changes the volume information showing the identification
information in the table. Thus, the listeners, the positions
to which sound is directed, and volume settings can be managed
in a mutually-associated manner.
[0011]
When the instruction signal including identification
information is accepted by the instruction signal input, the
signal processing control sectionmakesa reference to the table,
to thus acquire a position corresponding to the identification
information and altered volume information. The level control
value set in the signal processing section is changed in such
a way that the sound directed to the thus-acquired position
comes to a sound level indicated by the volume information.
[0012]
As mentioned above, a change is made to volume settings
by use of a table which manages the listeners, the positions
to which sound is directed, and the volume settings in a
mutually-associated manner. Therefore, even when a change is
made to the positions where sound is directed, the changed
positions, the identification information, and the volume
settings can be associated with each other. Thereby, even when
a change is made to the positions toward which sound is directed,
resetting of the audio signals, such as resetting of the sound
levels, do not need to be performed.
[0013]
(3) The present invention is directed toward the audio
apparatus, and the instruction signal input section inputs
position measurement information for measuring position of the
portable terminal transmitted from a portable terminal used
by a listener; and
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the signal processing control section measures position
of the portable terminal by use of the position measurement
information when the position measurement information is input
to the instruction signal input section and stores the measured
position of the portable terminal in the table in correspondence
with the identification information included in the position
measurement information.
[0014]
According to the configuration, the instruction signal
input section inputs, from a portable terminal used by the
listener, position measurement information for measuring the
location of the portable terminal. When the position
measurement information is input to the instruction signal input
section, the signal processing control section measures the
location of the portable terminal using the position measurement
information. The measured position is stored in the table in
correspondence with the identification information included
in the position measurement information.
[0015]
As mentioned above, the location of the portable terminal
used by the user is measured as a listening position of the
listener, and a setting is made in such a way that sound is
directed toward the position. Thereby, sound can be directed
toward the listening position comparatively accurately.
Further, the listening position measured in correspondence with
the identification information included in the position
measurement information input from the portable terminal is
registered in the table, and the listener and the listening
position can be managed while being associated with each other.
[0016]
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(4) The present invention is directed toward the audio
apparatus, and the speaker is an array speaker having a plurality
of arranged speaker units. By means of the configuration, sound
beams can be readily output toward the plurality of respective
positions.
[0017]
(5) The present invention is directed toward the audio
apparatus, and delay times imparted to respective signals output
from the plurality ofarrangedspeaker units are set respectively,
whereby directions of sounds output from the speaker are
controlled; the signal processing control section sets the delay
control values associated with the plurality of positions in
the signal processing section; and the signal processing section
imparts the delay times to the respective signals in accordance
with the delay control values set by the signal processing
control section.
[0018]
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention defined in claim 1 of the present
invention, volume can be individually controlled for each of
the sounds directed toward different positions. Therefore,
when a plurality of positions are set as listening positions
of a plurality of listeners, sound can be provided to the
respective listeners at sound levels desired by the listeners.
[0019]
According to the invention defined in claim 2 of the present
invention, a change is made to volume settings by use of a table
which manages listeners, positions to which sound is directed,
and volume settings in a mutually-associated manner. Therefore,
even when a listener has made a change to settings of the locations
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where sound is to be directed, the altered positions,
identification information, and the volume settings can be
associated with each other. Thereby, even when a change is
made to the positions where sound is directed, there can be
provided an audio apparatus which obviates a necessity for
setting audio signals, such as resetting of sound levels.
[0020]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a view for describing the configuration of an
array speaker constituting a karaoke system of an embodiment
and directivity of a sound beam output from the speaker array.
Fig. 2 is a view showing a positional information table
T.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the
configuration of a karaoke system 1.
Fig. 4 is a view for describing an example of position
detection processing.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) showing position detection
processing performed by the karaoke system shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) showing position detection
processing performed by the karaoke system shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing sound level change processing
performed by the karaoke system shown in Fig. 3.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION
A karaoke system 1 which is an embodiment of the present
invention will be described by reference to Figs. 1 through
7. The karaoke system 1 has a karaoke machine 2 which plays
karaoke music; an array speaker 3 for outputting an audio signal
input from the karaoke machine 2; and a remote controller 4
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for operating the karaoke machine 2.
[0022]
Fig. 1 is a view for describing the configuration of the
array speaker 3 constituting the karaoke system 1 of the
embodiment and directivity of a sound beam output from the
speaker array. The array speaker 3 has the shape of an elongated,
essentially-parallelepiped, and a plurality of speaker units
SU (SU1 to SUn) arranged in the shape of a line along one side
of the array speaker.
[0023]
Audio signals are input to the speaker units SU from the
karaoke machine 2. Respective input audio signals are imparted
with such a delay time that a sound beam output from the speaker
units SU1 through SUn are oriented to a focal point.
Specifically, as indicated by arrows in the drawing, the audio
signals are imparted with such delay times that sounds output
from the respective speaker units SU simultaneously arrive at
the focal point. As a result, the orientation of the sound
beam can be controlled such that a sound beam is oriented toward
the focal point.
[0024]
In the karaoke system 1 of the present embodiment, when
a plurality of listeners (hl through h3) are present in a karaoke
room, the array speaker 3 outputs the respective sound beams
toward listening positions where the listening positions of
the respective listeners hl through h3 are taken as a focal
point. The drawing omits the manner of the sound beam being
output to the listeners h2 and h3. The karaoke system 1 has
a function of detecting coordinates of listening positions
(hereinafter described as "listening-position coordinates")
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of the listeners h1 through h3.
[0025]
As illustrated, the respective listeners hl through h3
have remote controllers 4 lent by a karaoke shop, or like the
like. The present karaoke system 1 detects coordinates of
positions of the respective remote controllers 4 (4A through
4C) as coordinates of listening positions of the listeners hl
through h3. Processing for detecting the coordinates of the
listening positions (position detection processing) will be
described in detail later.
[0026]
The respective remote controllers 4 are assigned unique
identifications ID. In the present karaoke system 1, the
identifications ID of the remote controllers 4 are registered,
as identification information for distinguishing the users of
the remote controllers 4 as listeners, in the positional
information table T such as that shown in Fig. 2, in association
with the detected coordinates of the listening positions. The
positional information table T is stored in the karaoke machine
2.
[0027]
A configuration in which unique identifications ID are
assigned to the listeners hl through h3 may also be adopted
in place of the configuration in which the identifications ID
are previously assigned to the remote controllers 4. In the
case of that configuration, the listeners hl through h3 input
the identifications ID into remote controllers 4 which they
use.
[0028]
In the karaoke system 1, a volume-level setting can be
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changed for each of the sound beams directed to the listening
positions of the listeners hl through h3. The volume-level
setting is changed when a volume change command signal for
changing a volume-level setting is input by the remote controller
4, or like situation, and the volume-level setting can be changed
to a volume-level setting desired by the listener. As a result,
the listeners h1 through h3 can listen to sound at respective
desired sound levels. Processing for changing the volume
setting (volume change processing) will be described in detail
later.
[0029]
The volume-level settings of the respective sound beams
are also registered in the positional information table T shown
in Fig. 2 in association with corresponding identifications
ID and coordinates of a listening position. Therefore, the
volume-level setting (sound level information), coordinates
of a listening position, and an identification ID for
distinguishing the listeners h1 through h3 from each other are
registered in the positional information table T while remaining
associated with each other. In the karaoke system 1, even when
changes are made to the coordinates of the listening positions
as a result of alteration of the listening positions of the
listeners hi through h3, the volume-level settings of the sound
beams directed to altered listening positions can be maintained
so as to become identical with those achieved before alteration
by means of taking the identifications ID as clues.
[0030]
Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the
configuration of the karaoke system 1.
[0031]
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In addition to the previously-described speaker unit SU,
the array speaker 3 has an infrared light receiving section
31. The infrared light receiving section 31 receives a command
signal which is infrared light from the remote controller 4,
converts the command signal into an electric signal, and inputs
the electric signal to the karaoke machine 2 (a command signal
input section 25 to be described later).
[0032]
The karaoke machine 2 has an AD converter 21, an automatic
music playing section 22, a signal processing section 23, an
amplifier 24, a command signal input section 25, a controller
26, and a storage section 27. A song audio signal of a singer
from a microphone M is input to the AD converter 21. The AD
converter 21 converts the input analogue song audio signal into
a digital audio signal and inputs the thus-converted signal
to the automatic music playing section 22.
[0033]
The automatic music playing section 22 has an operation
section for receiving user's operation, as well as having a
storage section for storing karaoke music data, a sequencer
or sound source for playing karaoke music data, and the like.
The song audio signal from the AD converter 21 is input to the
automatic music playing section 22. The automatic music playing
section 22 synthesizes the input song audio signal with the
audio signal of the karaoke music automatically played by the
sequencer. The automatic music playing section 22 inputs the
thus-synthesized audio signal to the signal processing section
23.
[0034]
The signal processing section 23 is implemented by means
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of: for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) , and the like.
The signal processing section 23 independently controls a sound
beam for each listening position in such a way that an independent
sound beam is formed for each of the plurality of listening
positions. In the case shown in Fig. 1, since the listening
positions to which the sound beam is to be directed are three
listening positions of the listeners hl through h3, the signal
processing section 23 performs three independent beam control
operations in connection with the audio signal. Signals for
asound beam generated through the respective control operations
are described as signals x1 through x3.
[0035]
Specifically, the controller 26 sets level control values
on the signal processing section 23. The level control values
are set in correspondence with the listening positions, and
the signal processing section 23 independently adjusts the level
of an audio signal for each listening position. Thus, signals
x1 throughx3 are adjustedto respective output levels conforming
to the corresponding level control values.
[0036]
Thus, in the present embodiment, the level of the audio
signal is independently adjusted for each listening position.
Therefore, the volume setting can be changed for respective
sound beams directed toward different listening positions.
Thus, the listeners h1 through h3 can listen to sound at different
sound levels. For instance, when the listener hl is singing
a song, there is a case where the listener hl wants to listen
to his/her song but where the other listeners h2 and h3 do not
want to listen to the song at too high sound levels. In this
case, only the listener h1 can listen to the song at a high
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sound level without causing the listeners h2 and h3 to listen
to the song at a high sound level.
[0037]
The signal processing section 23 divides the signals xl
through x3 having adjusted output levels into (n) signals which
are equal in number to the speaker units SU. Specifically,
the signals xl through x3 assigned to the listening positions
of the listeners h1 through h3 are separated into "n, " whereupon
3xn signals are generated. N signals into which the signal
xl is divided are described as xll to xln. N signals into which
the signal x2 is divided are described as x2l through x2n. N
signals into which the signal x3 is divided are described as
x31 through x3n.
[0038]
The controller 26 sets delay control values in the signal
processing section 23 so as to become associated with the
listening positions. In accordance with the delay control
values, the signal processing section 23 imparts a delay time
to each of the signals xll to xln, x21 to x2n, and x31 to x3n.
[0039]
Specifically, the signals xll to x1n are imparted with
a delay time conforming to the delay control value corresponding
to the listening position of the listener hl. The signals x21
to x2n are imparted with a delay time conforming to the delay
control value corresponding to the listening position of the
listener h2. The signals x31 to x3n are imparted with a delay
time conforming to the delay control value corresponding to
the listening position of the listener h3. As a result, sound
beams can be output so as to be directed toward the respective
listening positions of the listeners h1 through h3.
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[0040]
The signal processing section 23 inputs the signals xll
to xln, x21 to x2n, and x31 to x3n imparted with the delay times
to corresponding amplifiers 24. The amplifiers 24 are provided
in equal number to the speaker units SU1 to SUn. When these
amplifiers 24 are distinguished from each other, the amplifiers
are imparted with the same numerals as those of the corresponding
speaker units SU1 through SUn, to thus become described as
amplifiers 241 to 24n.
[0041]
Of the signals x11 to xln, x21 to x2n, and x31 to x3n,
signals assigned to the same speaker unit SU are input to each
of the amplifiers 241 to 24n from the signal processing section
23. For instance, signals xll, x21, and x31 to be input to
the speaker unit SU1 are input to the amplifier 241. Thus,
the sound beams are output from the respective speaker units
SU1 through SUn toward the respective listening positions of
the listeners h1 through h3.
[0042]
The command signal input section 25 is an interface circuit
for accepting an input of a command signal from the infrared
light receiving section 31. The command signal input section
inputs the entered command signal to the controller 26. The
command signal includes a music selection command signal for
25 instructing selection of karaoke music, a position detection
command signal for instructing detection of coordinates of the
listening position, a volume change command signal for
instructing changing of a sound level, and the like. The
position detection command signal and the volume change command
signal each include an identification ID of the remote controller
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4 that is a sender of the signals, thereby enabling
identification of, as a sender, which one of the remote
controllers 4A to 4C.
[0043]
The controller 26 is implemented by; for example, a CPU
or the like, and controls operations of individual sections
of the karaoke machine 2. The controller 26 executes a program
stored in the storage section 27, thereby performing position
detection processing of the karaoke machine. Position
detection processing of the karaoke machine is one for measuring
or detecting listening positions of the listeners h1 through
h3 by use of a notification signal(position measurement
information) used for measuring the listening positions of the
listeners hl through h3 received from the remote controllers
4.
[0044]
Fig. 4 is a view for describing an example of position
detection processing. During position detection processing,
sound of predetermined time length is output at a given frequency
as position measurement sound from the speaker units SU1 and
SUn disposed at both ends. A microphone 41 is built in each
of the remote controllers 4, as will be described later. When
sound for measurement purpose is input to the microphone 41,
a notification signal for notifying an input of sound is
transmitted from the remote controller 4. By use of the
notification signal, there is determined a time tl which elapses
from when the sound for positional measurement purpose is output
from the speaker unit SUl until when the sound is input to the
microphone 41. Subsequently, the sound for positional
measurement purpose is output from the speaker unit SUn, thereby
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determining a time t2 which elapses from when the sound is output
until when the sound is input to the microphone 41.
[0045]
The times tl and t2 are multiplied by sound velocity,
thereby determining a distance Dl from the speaker unit SU1
to the microphone 41 and a distance D2 from the speaker unit
SUn to the microphone 41. An angle 0 is determined by the cosine
theorem; that is, Equation (1) provided below, through use of
the distances Dl, D2 and a distance W from the speaker unit
SU1 to the speaker unit SUn. The angle 0 is formed between
an array surface and a line connecting the speaker unit SUn
to the microphone 41.
[0046]
D12=D22+W2-2xD2xWxcos (0) ... Eq. (1)
Next, the controller 26 computes coordinates (X1, Yl)
of a listening position while the center position of the speaker
unit SUn is taken as a point of origin (0, 0) . Coordinates
of the listening position are computed from an angle 0, a distance
D2, and a distance W according to Equations (2) and (3) provided
below.
[0047]
X1=D2xcos (0) ... Eq. (2)
Y2=D2xsin(0) ... Eq. (3)
Position detection processing of the above-mentioned
karaoke machine will be described in detail by reference to
Figs. 5 and 6.
[0048]
The controller 26 registers the detected coordinates of
the listening positions of the listeners hl through h3 in the
positional information table T shown in Fig. 2 in correspondence
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with the identifications ID of the respective listeners. The
controller 26 reads the coordinates of the position from the
positional information tableT andsets, in the signal processing
section 23, a delay control value which directs the sound beams
to the thus-read listening position.
[0049]
The above processing is an example method for detecting
the listening positions of the respective listeners hl through
h3, and the listening positions may also be detected by use
of another method. Moreover, the controller 26 can also make
a setting such that sound output from the array speaker 3 can
be heard in the entire karaoke room, by means of cancelling
control operation for directing the sound beam to the respective
listening positions.
[0050]
The control section 26 also executes a program stored
in the storage section 27, to thus perform volume change
processing for changing a volume setting of the sound beam.
During volume change processing, the sound levels of the sound
beams directed to the respective listening positions of the
listeners h1 through h3 can be changed individually.
Specifically, when a volume change command signal is input,
control is performed in such a way that the sound level of a
sound beam corresponding to the identification ID included in
the volume change command so as to become a volume setting
instructed by the commands i gnal. Specifically, the controller
26 sets a level control value of the signal processing section
23 such that sound reaches a listening position at a sound level
indicted by the volume change command signal.
[0051]
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Thereby, sound levels of sound beams directed to different
listening positions can be individually changed. In order to
change the volume setting of the sound beam, even when a change
is made to coordinates of a listening position conforming to
the identification ID, the same volume setting can be maintained.
[0052]
Specifically, only the coordinates of a position are
associated with the volume setting. In a case where an
identification ID and a volume setting are not associated with
each other, a listener must again seta sound volume in connection
with coordinates of a new position. However, since the
identification ID is associated with the coordinates of the
listening position and the volume setting, coordinates of a
new listening position and the volume setting can be associated
with each other by reference to the identification ID. Thus,
efforts to make a volume setting again, which would otherwise
be required after making of a change to the coordinates of the
listening position, can be omitted.
[0053]
When an individual volume change mode is set, the sound
level of the sound beam can be set individually, as mentioned
above. When the individual volume change mode remains cleared,
the controller 26 changes the sound levels of all of the sound
beams to the sound level indicated by the volume change command
signal.
[0054]
The storage section 27 is formed from a rewritable storage
device; for example, flash memory or the like, and is provided
with a positional information table storage area 271 storing
the positional information table T such as that shown in Fig.
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2. The storage section 27 stores various programs which cause
the karaoke machine 2 to perform volume change processing and
position detection processing, as well as storing data required
to execute the programs.
[0055]
The configuration of the remote controller 4 will be
described hereunder. In addition to including the microphone
41, the remote controller 4 has an infrared light emission
section42, an operation section 43, a remote controller control
section 44, and a waveform shaping section 45. The infrared
light emission section 42 has an infrared light emission element,
or the like, and outputs infrared light as a command signal
responsive to an input command code. The operation section
43 has a plurality of operation buttons 431, and accepts
operation performed by the listener as a result of the operation
buttons 431 being depressed by a finger or the like. The
operation section 43 inputs to the remote controller control
section 44 an operation signal indicating the operation buttons
431 depressed by the listener.
[0056]
The remote controller control section 44 is implemented
by a microcomputer, or the like, and controls operation of
individual sections of the remote controller 4. The remote
controller control section 44 stores a command code responsive
to the respective operation buttons 431. When an operation
signal is input, the remote. controller control section 44
specifies a command code corresponding to an operation button
431 indicated by the operation signal, and inputs the
thus-specified command code to the infrared light emission
section 42.
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[0057]
For instance, when the operation button (a position
detection button 431a) for causing detection of the position
of the remote controller 4 is depressed and when the operation
signal showing depression of the button is received, the remote
controller control section 44 inputs, to the infrared light
emission section 42, a command code for causing the karaoke
machine 2 to detect the position of the karaoke machine. The
infrared light emission section 42 outputs the command code
as a position detection command signal.
[0058]
When another operation button 431 (a volume setting button
431b) for setting a sound beam to a desired sound level is
depressed and when an operation signal showing depression of
the button is received, the remote controller control section
44 inputs, to the infrared light emission section 42, a command
code for causing the karaoke machine 2 to perform sound level
change processing. The infrared light emission section 42
outputs the command code as a volume change command signal.
[0059]
The remote controller control section 44 performs a stored
program, thereby performing processing for detecting the
position of the remote controller. Processing for detecting
the position of the remote controller is one for transmitting
to the array speaker 3 a notification signal which causes
measurement of coordinates of the position of the remote
controller 4. As mentioned above, the array speaker 3 outputs
sound for measurement purpose from the speaker units SU1 and
SUn. As mentioned previously, during position detection
processing performed by the remote controller, an input is
21
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
notified when the sound for measurement purpose is input. Hence,
the notification signal is transmitted by use of the infrared
light emission section 42. By reference to Figs. 5 and 6,
position detection processing performed by the remote
controller will be described in detail later.
[0060]
A sound signal collected by the microphone 41 is input
to the waveform shaping section 45. The waveform shaping
section 45 has a filter, such as a bandpass filter, and the
frequency of sound for measurement purpose is set in the filter.
The waveform shaping section 45 causes the input signal to pass
through the filter, thereby separating from the input signal
only a component of the sound for measurement purpose. The
waveform shaping section 45 inputs to the remote controller
control section 44 a signal of the separated sound for
measurement purpose.
[0061]
Figs. 5 and 6 show flowcharts (parts 1 and 2) including
position detection processing performed by the karaoke system
1 shown in Fig. 3. Of the position detection processing
operations, processing performed by the remote controller 4
is position detection processing to be performed by the remote
controller, and processing performed by the karaoke machine
2 is position detection processing to be performed by the karaoke
machine.
[0062]
First, the remote controller control section 44
repetitively determines, at a predetermined time interval,
whether or not the position detection button 431a is depressed,
and waits until YES is determined (S1). When the position
22
.CA 02614549 2008-01-07
detection button 431a is determined to be depressed (YES in
Si), the remote controller control section 44 transmits a
position detection command signal for instructing performance
of position detection processing to be performed by the karaoke
machine (S2).
[0063]
The karaoke machine 2 repetitively determines whether
or not the controller 26 has input a position detection command
signal, and waits until YES is determined (S3). When the
position detection command signal is determined to be input
(YES in S3), the controller 26 determines whether or not the
identification ID can be ascertained (S4) . Specifically, the
controller 26 determines whether or not an identification ID
included in the position detection command signal can be
acquired.
[0064]
When the identification ID cannot be ascertained (NO in
S4), the controller 26 outputs an error sound signal to the
signal processing section 23, thereby returning processing to
step S3. In the meantime, when the identification ID can be
ascertained (YES in S4), the controller 26 stores the
identification ID in the storage section 27. Subsequently,
the controller 26 instructs the signal processing section 23
to generate a sound signal for measurement purpose and input
the sound signal to the speaker unit SU1, and commences clocking
by use of built-in clocking means (S5).
[0065]
The remote controller 4 repetitively determines, at a
predetermined time interval, whether or not sound for
measurement purpose is received after the remote controller
23
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
control section 44 performs processing pertaining to step S2,
and waits until YES is determined (S6) . When the sound for
measurement purpose is determined to be received (YES in S6),
the remote control section 44 transmits the notification signal
for notifying receipt of the sound, through use of the infrared
light emission section 42 (S7).
[0066]
When a remote controller 4 other than the remote controller
4 transmitting a start command signal in step S1 receives the
sound for measurement purpose, the other remote controller 4
discards the sound. Therefore, the other remote controller
4 does not transmit a notification signal, and only the remote
controller 4 transmitted the start command signal transmits
the notification signal.
[0067]
After performance of processing pertaining to step S5,
the karaoke machine 2 repetitively determines, at a
predetermined time interval, whether or not the controller 26
inputs a notification signal, and waits until YES is determined
(S8) . When the notification signal is determined to be input
(YES in S8), the controller 26 terminates clocking operation
and computes a time ti from the clocked time (S9).
[0068]
Next, the controller 26 instructs the signal processing
section 23 to input a sound signal for measurement purpose to
the speaker unit SUn, and commences clocking by use of the
built-in clocking means (SlO) . After the remote controller
control section 44 performs processing pertaining to step S7,
the remote controller 4 repetitively determines, at a
predetermined time interval, whether or not the sound for
24
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
measurement purpose is received, and waits until YES is
determined (S11).
[0069]
By reference to Fig. 6, when the sound for measurement
purpose is determined to be received (YES in S11) , the remote
controller control section 44 transmits a notification signal
for reporting receipt of the sound by use of the infrared light
emission section 42 (S12) . Subsequently, the remote controller
control section 44 returns position detection processing to
be performed by the remote controller to step Si.
[0070]
After performance of processing pertaining to step S10,
the karaoke machine 2 repetitively determines, at a
predetermined time interval, whether or not the controller 26
inputs a receipt acknowledgement message, and waits until YES
is determined (S13). When the receipt acknowledgement message
is determined to be input (YES in S13), the controller 26
completes clocking operation, thereby computing a time t2 from
the clocked time (S14).
[0071]
Subsequently, the controller 26 performs computing
operations of Equations (1) through (3) , such as those mentioned
above, by use of the times tl and t2, to thus compute coordinates
of the listening position (S15) . The controller 26 reads an
identification ID from the storage section 27, and registers
the coordinates of the listening position in the positional
information table T in correspondence with the read
identification ID (S16).
[0072]
When volume information corresponding to the
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
identification ID is not registered in the positional
information table T (when volume information is first
registered), the controller 26 registers volume information
by means of a predetermined initial value. In contrast, when
the identification lD,thecoordinatesofthelistening position,
and the volume information have already been registered, the
controller 26 changes only the coordinates of the listening
position corresponding to the read identification ID and leaves
the volume information unchanged.
[0073]
The controller 26 reads the coordinates of the listening
position and the volume information from the positional
information table T. The controller 26 sets, in the signal
processing section 23, such a delay control value which directs
the sound beam to the listening position represented by the
coordinates (S17). In addition, the controller 26 also sets
a level control value which causes the sound beam to reach the
listening position at a sound level indicated by the volume
information.
[0074]
The controller 26 instructs the signal processing section
23 to generate an end sound signal and input the sound signal
to the speaker units SUl through SUn. The signal processing
section 23 performs processing as instructed, whereupon end
sound is issued (S18). Normal end may also be displayed on
a display section, which is omitted from the drawings, of the
remote controller 4. Subsequently, the controller 26 returns
position detection processing to be performed by the karaoke
machine to step S3.
[0075]
26
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
By means of position detection processing, coordinates
of the position of the remote controller 4 can be measured as
coordinates of a listening position. Since the thus-measured
coordinates of the listening position are registered in the
positional information table T in correspondence with the
identification ID, so that the listeners h1 through h3 can be
individually associated with the listening positions. As a
result, even when a change has beenmade to the listening position,
which one of the listeners hl through h3 had its listening
position changed can be identified.
[0076]
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing volume change processing
performed by the karaoke machine 2 shown in Fig. 3. First,
the controller 26 repetitively determines, at a predetermined
time interval, whether or not the volume change command signal
is input, and waits until YES is determined (S20) When the
volume change command signal is determined to be input (YES
in S20), the controller 26 determines whether or not the
individual volume change mode is set (S21).
[0077]
The individual volume change mode is changed or cleared
by means of the listener's operation performed by use of the
operation section 43 of the remote controller 4. When the
individual volume change mode is selected, the controller 26
stores a flag showing the selection. When the mode is cleared,
the flag is deleted.
[0078]
When the individual volume change mode is determined not
to be set (determined to be cleared) (NO in S21) , the controller
26 changes volume information about all of the identifications
27
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
ID registered in the positional information table T such that
all of the sound beams achieve sound levels indicated by the
volume change command signal (S22) . For instance, when a volume
change command for lowering a sound level by two is input, a
change is made to the volume information registered in the
positional information table T in such a way that the sound
level is lowered by two.
[0079]
The controller 26 changes settings of level control values
of the signals xl through x3 in such a way that the sound levels
of the sound beams achieve a sound level indicated by the volume
change command signal (S23).
[0080]
Moreover, when the individual volume change mode is
determined to be set (YES in S21), the controller 26 makes a
reference to the positional information table T (S24) . The
volume change command signal includes an identification ID for
distinguishing the sender remote controller 4. The controller
26 makes a reference to the positional information table T by
means of the identification ID.
[0081]
The controller 26 determines whether or not the
identification ID is registered in the positional information
table T (S25) . When the identification ID is determined not
to be registered in the positional information table T (NO in
S25), the controller 26 returns processing to step 520. When
the individual volume change mode is set and when the
identification ID is not registered in the positional
information table T, coordinates of the listening position are
not detected, and the sound beam directed to the remote
28
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
controller 4 of the sender is not output. Therefore, processing
returns to step S20 without changing a sound level.
[0082]
In the meantime, when the identification ID is determined
to be registered in the positional information table T (YES
in S25), the controller 26 changes volume information about
coordinates of a listening position corresponding to the
identification ID in the positional information table T (S26)
The change is made in such a way that the sound level of the
sound beam comes to a sound level indicated by the volume change
command signal. The controller 26 reads the coordinates of
the listening position corresponding to the identification ID
and altered volume information.
[0083]
Subsequently,, the controller 26 changes the level control
value of the signal processing section 23 in such a way that
the sound beam directed to the listening position indicated
by the coordinates comes to a sound level indicated by the volume
change command signal (S27) . Specifically, the level control
value of any corresponding one of the signals xl through x3
is changed.
[0084]
During volume change processing mentioned above, volume
settings of respective soundbeamsdirectedtoward the listening
positions of the listeners hl through h3 can be individually
changed to a volume setting desired by the listener. Thereby,
all of the listeners hl through h3 can hear sound at their desired
volume settings. For instance, in a situation where the
listener h1 is signing a song, when the song is poor and when
the listeners h2 and h3 are reluctant to hear the song, only
29
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
the sound levels of the sound beams directed to the listeners
h2 and h3 can be lowered.
[0085]
The volume change command signal includes an
identification ID, and a reference is made to the positional
information table T by means of the identification ID, whereby
coordinates of a listening position corresponding to the
identification lD areread. Alevelcontrolvaluecorresponding
to the coordinates of the listening position is controlled.
Thus, a sound level is controlled by distinguishing a
corresponding listener among the listeners h1 through h3 by
means of the identification ID. Therefore, even when a change
is made to the coordinates of the listening positions, the
listeners h1 through h3 do not need to again perform operation
for setting sound levels.
[0086]
The present embodiment can adopt the following
modifications.
[0087]
(1) in the present embodiment, when the position detection
button 431a is depressed, coordinates of the position of the
remote controller 4 are detected, but the present embodiment
is not limited to such a configuration. For instance, the
position of the remote controller 4 may also be repeatedly
detected during a period fromwhen the position detection button
4 is depressed until when the operation button 431 for ending
position detecting operation is depressed. By means of such
a configuration, when the listener moves along with the remote
controller 4 during the period, coordinates of the position
are detected so as to follow the movement.
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
[0088]
(2) In the present embodiment, only when the listener
depresses the sound level change button 431b, the volume setting
of each of the sound beams is changed. However, the present
embodiment is not limited to the configuration. Specifically,
there may also be adopted a configuration where the controller
26 automatically changes the volume settings so as to become
optimum for the listening positions of the listeners hl through
h3. For instance, the controller 26 sets the sound level of
the sound beam directed to a listening position distant from
the array speaker 3 so as to become greater than the sound level
of the sound beam directed to a closer listening position.
[0089]
(3) In the present embodiment, the sound signal for
measurement purpose is input to the speaker units SU1 and SUn.
However, the present embodiment is not limited to such a
configuration, and there may also be adopted a configuration
where a sound signal for measurement purpose is input to another
speaker unit SU.
[0090]
(4) In the present embodiment, coordinates of the
listening positions are measured by use of the sound for
measurement purpose output from the speaker units SU1 and SUn.
However, another method may also be used to detect coordinates
of listening positions. For instance, there may also be adopted
a configuration where a sound field is captured by a video and
where listening positions of the listeners h1 through h3 are
measured by use of the video image, or the like.
[0091]
(5) In the present embodiment, the speakers SU1 through
31
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
SUn are shared among the sound beams directed to a plurality
of listening positions; however, the present embodiment is not
limited to this configuration. Specifically, there may also
be adopted a configuration where the speaker units SU are not
shared among the sound beams and where sound beams are output
from different portions of the speaker units SU1 through SUn.
[0092]
(6) The microphone 41 may not be incorporated in the remote
controller 4. The essential requirement is to connect an
external microphone 41 to the remote controller 4 and arrange
the microphone 41 to a listening position. Moreover, a terminal
device is not limited to the remote controller 4, and another
terminal device (e.g., a general-purpose machine or the like)
having the capability of inputting a signal from the microphone
41 and a function of communicating with the karaoke machine
2 may also be adopted.
[0093]
(7) Although the karaoke machine 2 and the array speaker
3 are separated from each other, they may also be configured
integrally. The karaoke machine 2 has a function section for
subjecting the audio signal to signal processing for adjusting
a delay time or an output level, the function section may also
be provided in another audio device. Specifically, the audio
device inputs from the karaoke machine 2 an audio signal into
which an audio signal of karaoke music and an audio signal of
a song of a singer are synthesized. The audio device controls
an output level of an input audio signal and imparts a delay
time to the input audio signal, and subsequently inputs the
signal to the speaker units SU1 through SUn.
[0094]
32
CA 02614549 2008-01-07
(8) The configuration of the array speaker 3 is configured
from the speaker units SU1 through SUn arranged in a line, but
the speaker is not limited to the configuration. The speaker
may also be configured from a speaker unit SU arranged in; for
example, a matrix pattern or a honeycomb pattern.
[0095]
(9) Normal speakers may also be used in place of the array
speaker 3, thereby directing a plurality of sound beams to the
listening positions of the listeners h1 through h3.
[0096]
(10) The present invention is not limited to the karaoke
machine. The essential requirement is to apply the present
invention to an audio apparatus which outputs sound so as to
individually direct sound to a plurality of listeners. For
instance, the present invention may also be applied to a home
audio system so that family members can listen to sound at
different sound levels. In this case, different contents may
also be provided for respective members rather than a single
content being provided to all of the members. In this case,
contents (channel numbers or the like) are additionally
registered in the positional information table T in
correspondence with the identifications ID.
33
